Gov. Cuomo declares state of emergency

Posted
Friday, February 8, 2013 9:03 pm

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Herald File Photo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm has brought heavy snow and high winds to parts of New York State. A state of emergency mobilizes resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only and allows the Governor to suspend laws and regulations that would impede rapid response. The disaster declaration is in effect for the following counties: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester.

The Governor urged New Yorkers to avoid traveling and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed. Blizzard warnings remain in effect through 1:00 PM Saturday for affected areas of the state. An estimated 10-14 inches of snow is expected for New York City with areas in Long Island possibly receiving upwards of 20 inches. Wind speeds are beginning to pick up with gusts reaching 40 mph in NYC and a chance for gusts to reach near 70 mph on the forks of Long Island.

“As this winter storm unfolds, bringing heavy snow and high winds to parts of the state, I strongly urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay indoors,” Governor Cuomo said. “To ensure an effective and rapid response to this winter storm, I am declaring a state of emergency for counties in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island so resources can get to communities where they are needed as quickly as possible.”

Steps taken to ensure readiness include:

Public Transportation

The MTA has advised riders that the storm may require suspension of some portions of the region’s subway, bus and commuter train operations.

The MTA has prepped and deployed its fleet of snow and ice-busting equipment to keep outdoor tracks, switches and the electrified third rail clear of snow and ice.

The MTA has canceled all weekend work.

MTA personnel have been deployed to keep subway stairways clear of snow and salted to melt ice.